1997 FORD F250 engine coolant

21 %
*
[IS09000(F )03/96]
ªHeadlamps Onº Alert Chime
[IS09100(F )04/96]
This chime will sound if you open the door
while the headlamps or parklamps are on.
%*
[IS09200(FM)03/96]
Fuel Gauge
*
[IS09300(FM)01/96]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the
ignition switch is ON.
*
[IS09500(FM)01/96]
The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when
the vehicle is in motion.
*
[IS09600(FM)01/96]
With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge
indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON
position.
[IS09700(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020691-C
Fuel gauge
%*
[IS09900(FM)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[IS10000(FM)01/96]
This gauge tells you the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indicator will not be accurate.
*
[IS10100(FM)01/96]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the Normal band as the engine coolant warms
up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate
within the Normal band under normal driving
conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to
the top of the Normal band.
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

22
*
[IS10200(FM)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
*
[IS10300(FM)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS10400(FM)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
*
[IS10500(FM)03/96]
2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe
engine damage could result.
*
[IS10600(FM)03/96]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[IS10700(FM)03/96]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS10800(FM)01/96]
For instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine coolantin the Index. If
you do not follow these instructions, you or
others could be injured.
[IS10900(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020535-D
Engine coolant temperature gauge
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

142normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO05600(FM)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO05700(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO05800(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[TO05900(F )01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO06000(F )01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO06100(F )01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[TO06200(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
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272
*
[MC11050(F )01/96]
Adding washer fluid
*
[MC11100(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
[MC11150(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020360-C
Adding windshield washer fluid
%*
[MC11300(F )02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
*
[MC11350(F )01/96]
If you choose to use a windshield washing
solution that must be mixed, follow the
manufacturer's mixing instructions. Improperly
mixed solutions may freeze unexpectedly.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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274
%*
[MC11700(FM)01/96]
Engine Coolant
[MC11750(FM)01/96]
Checking the engine coolant
*
[MC11800(FM)05/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine typesin this chapter.
*
[MC11850(FM)05/96]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time the engine coolant reservoir
may eventually empty. If the engine coolant
reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings
before removing the radiator cap. If it is
necessary to fill the radiator, refer to theEngine
Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for
instructions.
*
[MC11950(FM)01/96]
Adding engine coolant
[MC12000(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

275 % [MC12150(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020360-C
Adding engine coolant
*
[MC12300(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC12350(FM)01/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
*
[MC12400(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
[MC12450(FM)04/96]
RWARNING
Follow these steps to minimize risk of
personal injury.
*
[MC12500(FM)05/96]
1. Before you remove the radiator cap, turn the
engine off and let it cool. Even when the
engine is cool, be careful when you remove
the radiator cap.
*
[MC12550(FM)05/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to the first stop.
*
[MC12600(FM)05/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[MC12650(FM)01/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press, turn,
and remove cap.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

276
*
[MC12700(FM)05/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
%*
[MC12750(FM)01/96]
Freezing Protection
[MC12800(FM)04/96]
The factory-installed solution of Ford Premium
Cooling System Fluid and water will protect
your vehicle toS35ÊF (S37ÊC).Check the freeze
protection rating of the engine coolant at least
once a year, just before winter.
*
[MC12850(FM)04/96]
Add engine coolant only to the coolant
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible. Check the engine coolant again
the next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[MC12900(FM)01/96]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metals
and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for
four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use
supplemental coolant additives in your gasoline
powered vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. Follow the
recommended service interval for changing your
engine coolant.
*
[MC12950(FM)01/96]
NOTE: When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
your engine coolant concentration
between 40%(-11ÊF [-24ÊC]) and 60%
(-62ÊF [-52ÊC]),depending on your local
climate conditions. Below 40% you will
lose freeze protection and above 60%
your engine may overheat on a warm
day.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

277 % [MC13000(FM)04/96]
NOTE: Do not use an engine coolant that does
not meet all 14 requirements of Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. The use
of an improper coolant may void your
warranty for the engine cooling system.
Use only a premium nationally
recognized brand name engine coolant.
*
[MC13050(FM)04/96]
Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the
Ford Rotunda engine coolant recycling process
and chemicals. If you choose to use recycled
coolant, use only Ford Rotunda recycled engine
coolant or an equivalent recycled engine coolant
that is certified by the supplier to meet Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A.
%*
[MC13100(FM)04/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
%*
[MC13150(FM)01/96]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an
equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Do not use alcohol
or methanol antifreeze and do not use engine
coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant,
the aluminum radiator on your vehicle will
corrode.
*
[MC13200(FM)01/96]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep a mixture of engine coolant
in your engine that has a protection rating of at
least-34ÊF (-37ÊC), orwhatever protection rating
is appropriate for the climate in which you live.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com